Method and apparatus for determining tdd ul-dl configuration applicable for radio frames

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus are provided for monitoring a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. The UE receives a system information block (SIB) from a network. The UE identifies at least one downlink (DL) period based on a first time division duplex (TDD) uplink (UL)/DL configuration included in the SIB; monitoring, by the UE, the PDCCH during the at least one DL period using a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation. The UE obtains information about at least one second TDD UL/DL configuration for one or more time intervals from the monitored PDCCH. The monitoring of the PDCCH comprises monitoring the PDCCH in an active time of a DRX cycle. The active time includes a time when the UE performs continuous reception.

PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/272,361, filed in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice (USPTO) on Feb. 11, 2019, which is a Continuation Application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/413,177, filed in the USPTO on May12, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,206,244, issued on Feb. 12, 2019, whichis a U.S. National Stage Entry of International ApplicationPCT/KR2013/006052, filed on Jul. 8, 2013, which claims priority toIndian Application No. 2749/CHE/2012, filed on Jul. 6, 2012, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wireless communicationsystems, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus fordetermining Time Division Duplex (TDD) configurations applicable forradio frames.

2. Description of the Related Art

In wireless communication systems, such as those defined by ThirdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE/LTE-A)specification, User Equipments (UEs) and a base station (i.e., eNodeB(eNB)) communicate with each other by sending and receiving data carriedin radio signals according to a predefined radio frame format.Typically, the radio frame format contains a sequence of radio frames,each radio frame having a plurality of sub frames. Typically, each radioframe has a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms) and consists of two halfframes, each having a duration of 5 ms. Each half frame consists of 5sub frames having a duration of 1 ms. Each sub frame consists of twoslots, each having a duration of 0.5 ms. Each slot consists of aplurality of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

Typically, subframes in a radio frame are configured to perform Uplink(UL) transmission and Downlink (DL) reception in different duplexingmethods. For example, a TDD mode is a duplexing method to separatetransmitting and receiving radio signals in the time domain such thatthe same carrier frequency is used for transmission and reception. LTErelease 8 specification (TS 36.300) specifies seven different TDDconfigurations to support different DL/UL traffic ratios for differentfrequency bands when the TDD mode is employed to perform UL transmissionand DL reception. In each TDD configuration, each Subframe (SF) of aradio frame is defined as an Uplink subframe (U), a Downlink subframe(D) or a Special subframe (S). For example, seven TDD configurations areillustrated in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Switch- Con- point Subframe number figuration periodicity 0 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 5 ms D S U U U D S U U U 1 5 ms D S U U D D S U U D 2 5ms D S U D D D S U D D 3 10 ms  D S U U U D D D D D 4 10 ms  D S U U D DD D D D 5 10 ms  D S U D D D D D D D 6 5 ms D S U U U D S U U D

During an uplink subframe, the UE operates in a transmission mode whilethe eNB operates in a reception mode. During a downlink subframe, the UEoperates in a reception mode while the eNB operates in a transmissionmode. During a special subframe, the eNB switches from transmission modeto reception mode and the UE switches from reception mode totransmission mode.

At any given instance, any of above seven TDD configurations may beconfigured for a serving cell. In LTE Release 12 specification, dynamicTDD reconfiguration on a cell level is envisioned by adapting TDDconfiguration according to a prevailing traffic load situation in UL andDL for a concerned cell. The dynamic TDD reconfiguration of TDDconfiguration on a cell level allows optimum utilization of radioresources matching traffic data volume in UL and DL directions.

In Release 11, 3GPP Radio Access Network (RAN) Working Group 1 evaluatedperformance of dynamic TDD reconfiguration on time scale of 10 ms(fast), 200 ms (medium) and 640 ms (slow) in TR 36.828. The fastadaptation rate of 10 ms reconfigures TDD configuration on a radio framebasis. The slow adaptation rate of 640 ms reconfigures TDD configurationaccording to minimum System Information (SI) change modification period.For faster reconfiguration, a currently applicable TDD configuration isnotified to a UE through physical layer signalling via a new DownlinkControl Information (DCI) format. The new DCI format consists of codepoints to index some or all seven TDD configurations. Typically, a DCIformat indicating new TDD configuration is transmitted on a Packet DataControl Channel (PDCCH), where the UE uses a System Information RadioNetwork Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI) to decode the DCI format in thecommon search space of PDCCH.

In a radio frame, subframes SF#0 and SF#5 are fixed as DL subframes,SF#1 is fixed as special subframe, and SF#2 is fixed as UL subframe. For5 ms switching periodicity configurations, subframe SF#6 is fixed as DLsubframe while subframe SF#7 is fixed as UL subframe. Hence, subframesSF#3, SF#4, SF#8 and SF#9 are subframes available for flexiblereconfiguration as DL or UL. According to LTE Release 8 specification(TS 36.300), in order to enable reasonable battery power consumption atthe UE, a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle is employed per UE in aconnected state. Discontinuous reception allows UE to turn off its radiotransceiver during various periods in order to save battery life on theUE. When a DRX cycle is configured for a UE, the UE switches between onduration (also referred to as a period of activity) and off duration(also referred to as a period of inactivity). During the on durationperiod, the UE monitors one or more subframes of a radio frame. Uponexpiry of the on duration period, the UE switches to sleep mode duringthe off duration period to conserve battery consumption.

When the eNB adapts a dynamic TDD reconfiguration to match a trafficload situation, the TDD UL-DL configuration may need to be reconfiguredfor each radio frame. As described above, the eNB transmits a new DCIformat indicating the current TDD UL-DL configuration to the UE onsubframes SF#0 and SF#5 in each radio frame so that the UE knows the TDDUL-DL configuration for each radio frame. However, the UE may beoperating in an off duration of the configured DRX cycle when the eNBtransmits a new DCI format indicating the current TDD UL-DLconfiguration applicable for the current radio frame in the subframesSF#0 and SF#5 of the current radio frame. As a consequence, the UE maynot be aware of a correct TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for thecurrent radio frame, causing the UE to go out of synchronization withthe eNB.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to address at least the aboveproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present inventionprovides a method and an apparatus for determining applicable TDDconfigurations for radio frames.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is providedfor monitoring a PDCCH by a UE in a wireless communication system. TheUE receives a system information block (SIB) from a network. The UEidentifies at least one DL period based on a first TDD UL/DLconfiguration included in the SIB; monitoring, by the UE, the PDCCHduring the at least one DL period using a DRX operation. The UE obtainsinformation about at least one second TDD UL/DL configuration for one ormore time intervals from the monitored PDCCH. The monitoring of thePDCCH comprises monitoring the PDCCH in an active time of a DRX cycle.The active time includes a time when the UE performs continuousreception.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for transmitting information of monitoring a PDCCH by a networkdevice in a wireless communication system. The network device transmits,to a UE, a SIB including a first TDD UL/DL configuration. The networkdevice transmits, to the UE, information about a second TDD UL/DLconfiguration for one or more time intervals through the PDCCH during atleast one DL period indicated by the first TDD UL/DL configuration. Theat least one DL period is included in an active time of a DRX cycle. Theactive time includes a time when the UE performs continuous reception.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a UE in a wirelesscommunication system is provided. The UE includes a transceiverconfigured to receive a SIB from a network. The UE also includes atleast one processor configured to identify at least one DL transmissionperiod based on a first TDD UL/DL configuration included in the SIB,control the transceiver to monitor a PDCCH during the at least one DLperiod using a DRX operation, and obtain information about at least onesecond TDD UL/DL configuration for one or more time intervals from themonitored PDCCH. The active time includes a time when the UE performscontinuous reception.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a network devicein a wireless communication system is provided. The network deviceincludes a transceiver. The network device also includes at least oneprocessor configured to control the transceiver to transmit, to a UE, aSIB including a first TDD UL/DL configuration, and transmit, to the UE,information about a second TDD UL/DL configuration for one or more timeintervals through a PDCCH during at least one DL period indicated by thefirst TDD UL/DL configuration. The at least one DL period is included inan active time of a DRX cycle. The active time includes a time when theUE performs continuous reception.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless network environment,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of indicating a TDD UL-DLconfiguration applicable for a radio frame, according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts illustrating a method of determining aTDD UL-DL configuration for a current radio frame upon waking up from aperiod of inactivity of a configured DRX cycle, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of monitoring PDCCH andcounting DRX timers, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of monitoring PDCCH andcounting DRX timers, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating extending an on duration timer of a DRXcycle to determine a TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for a currentradio frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating extending an on duration timer of a DRXcycle to determine a TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for a next radioframe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A to 8E illustrate diagrams of TDD Configuration Medium AccessControl (MAC) Control Element (CE) formats carrying a TDD UL-DLconfiguration applicable for a current radio frame and/or a subsequentradio frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a UE, according to an embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar componentsmay be designated by the same or similar reference numerals althoughthey are illustrated in different drawings. Detailed descriptions ofconstructions or processes known in the art may be omitted to avoidobscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for identifyingfixed subframes and flexible subframes during an on duration period of aconfigured DRX cycle when different TDD UL-DL configurations frompredefined TDD UL-DL configurations are dynamically changed on a celllevel in a wireless network environment. Further, embodiments of thepresent invention provide a method for monitoring a PDCCH subframe andhandling DRX timers during the on duration period of a configured DRXcycle based on an identified category (e.g., flexible or fixed) ofsubframes. Further, the present invention provides a method fordetermining current TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for a radioframe(s) from a set of TDD UL-DL configurations.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless network environment,according to an embodiment of the present invention. A wireless networkenvironment 100 includes clusters 102A-102C formed of one or more cells.The cluster 102A includes cell 104A and cell 104B. The cluster 102Bincludes cell 104C. The cluster 102C includes cell 104D and cell 104E.

Each of the cells 104A to 104E includes a base station 106 (e.g., eNB)and one or more UEs 108.

Each eNB 106 is configured for transmitting a dynamic reconfigurationindicator indicating to the UE(s) 108 that a dynamic configuration isenabled for a serving cell associated with the respective eNB 106. Also,the eNB 106 is configured for signaling a TDD reconfiguration set bitmapindicating a set of TDD UL-DL configurations applicable during thedynamic reconfiguration to the UE(s) 108. Further, the eNB 106 isconfigured for signaling a TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for aradio frame(s) from the set of TDD UL-DL configurations when dynamicreconfiguration is enabled for the eNB 106. For example, when thedynamic reconfiguration is enabled, the eNB 106 transmits a new DownlinkControl Information (DCI) format indicating TDD UL-DL configurationapplicable for a radio through physical layer signaling in subframe #0(SF#0) and subframe #5 (SF#5) of the radio frame.

The respective UE(s) 108 is configured for monitoring a PDCCH subframeand handling DRX timers upon transitioning from a period of inactivityto a period of activity of a DRX cycle when different TDD UL-DLconfigurations from a set of TDD UL-DL configuration is dynamicallychanged on a cell level. When the UE(s) 108 receives the TDD UL-DLconfiguration applicable for the radio frame during monitoring PDCCH,the UE(s) 108 applies the TDD UL-DL configuration for the radio frame.Also, based on the TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radioframe, the UE(s) 108 derives Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ)timings for Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and Physical UplinkShared Channel (PUSCH) retransmissions and ACK/NACK, respectively.

When the UE(s) 108 misses reception of a new DCI format and receives adownlink assignment message or UL grant message during monitoring ofPDCCH in a period of activity, the UE(s) 108 performs autonomous denialof ACK/NACK or UL transmission as the UE(s) 108 is not aware of TDDUL-DL configuration applicable for current radio frame. When the eNB 106determines that the UE(s) 108 has not sent the ACK/NACK or ULtransmission in response to the DL assignment message or the UL grantmessage, the eNB 106 understands that the UE(s) 108 has missed toreceive the new DCI format indicating TDD UL-DL configuration applicablefor the current radio frame. Accordingly, the eNB 106 signals the TDDUL-DL configuration during a next DL subframe of a current radio framewhere the UE(s) 108 is monitoring PDCCH via a new DCI format message,TDD Configuration MAC_CE_message, or Radio Resource Control (RRC)message.

During mobility of the UE 108, a serving cell (e.g., the cell 104A)belonging to a particular cluster (e.g., the cluster 102A) sends ahandover command, containing a dynamic reconfiguration indicatorindicating dynamic reconfiguration is enabled for a target cell (e.g.,the cell 104C) belonging to another cluster (e.g., the cluster 102B), tothe UE 108. Additionally, in the handover command, the serving cell 104Amay send a cluster indicator indicating TDD UL-DL configurationapplicable to the cluster to which the target cell belongs. If thetarget cell belongs to the same cluster as the serving cell, then thecluster indicator in the handover command is set to value ‘0’ whichmeans TDD UL-DL configuration for the serving cell and the target cellis same.

When the cell 104A belonging to the cluster 102A leaves the cluster 102Aand joins another cluster (e.g., cluster 102B), the cell 104A discardsthe set of TDD UL-DL configuration applicable to the cluster 102A anduses the set of TDD UL-DL configurations applicable to the cluster 104B.If the cell 104A forms a new cluster, the cell 104A determines the setof TDD UL-DL configurations applicable to the new cluster. When the cell104A leaves one cluster and joins another cluster or forms a newcluster, the cell 104A informs neighboring cells 104B-E through X2interface. Further, interference avoidance can be accomplished throughfrequency domain co-ordination of an overlapped UL-DL subframe ofadjacent cells through X2 interface. Frequency domain co-ordination isapplicable on cluster level or cell level. For example, if the cell 104Aof the cluster 102A uses upper frequency partition as UL subframe whilethe cell 104C of the cluster 102B uses lower frequency partition as DLsubframe in the overlapped UL-DL subframe of their respective TDD UL-DLconfiguration. In an embodiment of the present invention, adjacent cellshaving a dynamic reconfiguration of TDD UL-DL configuration canco-ordinate the overlapped UL-DL subframe of their respective TDD UL-DLconfiguration in a frequency domain applying subframe partitioning suchthat one cell 104A uses one partition as DL subframe, while the othercell 104B uses the other partition as UL subframe avoiding the overlap.

LTE specification TS 36.133 specifies the following rule: “For E-UTRANTDD, the UE do not transmit in the uplink subframe occurring immediatelyafter the measurement gap if the subframe occurring immediately beforethe measurement gap is a downlink subframe”. In the context of dynamicreconfiguration the specified rule needs to be extended for the case offlexible subframe. According to an embodiment of the present invention,the UE 108 defers UL transmission in a flexible subframe occurringimmediately after a measurement gap if a subframe occurring immediatelybefore the measurement gap is a downlink subframe or a special subframe.The UE 108 also defers UL transmission in a flexible subframe occurringimmediately after a measurement gap if a subframe occurring immediatelybefore the measurement gap is a flexible subframe.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart 200 illustrating a method of indicating a TDDUL-DL configuration applicable for a radio frame, according to anembodiment of the present invention. In step 202, a dynamicreconfiguration indicator indicating applicability of dynamicreconfiguration for a plurality of radio frames is signaled from the eNB106. For example, if the dynamic reconfiguration indicator is set to‘1’, it implies that the dynamic reconfiguration is enabled for theserving cell. If the dynamic reconfiguration indicator is set to ‘0’,then it implies the dynamic reconfiguration is not enabled for theserving cell. In an embodiment of the present invention, a dynamicreconfiguration indicator is signaled through a cell-specific systeminformation broadcast message or through a UE-specific dedicated RRCsignaling message. One skilled in the art would understand that thedynamic configuration indicator is signaled in any other message. In anembodiment of the present invention, validity information associatedwith the dynamic reconfiguration indicator, indicating a duration forwhich dynamic reconfiguration of TDD UL-DL configuration is enabled, isalso provided to the UE 108 along with the dynamic reconfigurationindicator.

In step 204, a set of TDD UL-DL configurations is selected from aplurality of TDD UL-DL configurations. For example, a set of TDD UL-DLconfigurations (e.g., configurations 0, 1 and 2) are selected from sevenTDD UL-DL configurations as depicted in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 TDD Recon- Con- figuration Subframe number figuration Set bitmap0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 D S U U U D S U U U 1 1 D S U U D D S U U D 2 1D S U D D D S U D D 3 0 D S U U U D D D D D 4 0 D S U U D D D D D D 5 0D S U D D D D D D D 6 0 D S U U U D S U U D

In step 206, the set of TDD UL-DL configurations used for dynamicreconfiguration is signaled to the UE 108. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, a “TDD reconfiguration set bitmap” indicating the setof TDD UL-DL configurations used for dynamic reconfiguration is signaledto the UE 108. The bitmap is indexed to a plurality of pre-defined TDDUL-DL configurations. The bitmap includes seven bits, each bit indexedto corresponding pre-defined TDD UL-DL configuration in Table 2. The“TDD reconfiguration set bitmap” is indexed to the plurality ofpre-defined TDD UL-DL configurations such that the left most bitcorresponds to the TDD UL-DL configurations 0, while the right most bitcorresponds to the TDD UL-DL configurations 6. For example, when TDDUL-DL configurations 0, 1, and 2 are selected for dynamicreconfiguration, the bitmap [1110000] is signaled to the UE 108, whichindicates that the set of TDD UL-DL configuration constitutes TDD UL-DLconfigurations 0, 1, and 2. The bit ‘1’ in the “TDD reconfiguration setbitmap” indicates that the corresponding indexed TDD UL-DL configurationis selected for dynamic reconfiguration, while the bit ‘0’ indicatesthat the corresponding indexed TDD UL-DL configuration is not selected.In an embodiment of the present invention, the “TDD configuration setbitmap” is signaled in a cell-specific System Information Broadcast(SIB) message in any of SIBs or a UE specific dedicated RRC signalingmessage.

When the dynamic reconfiguration is enabled and the eNB 106 signals thedynamic reconfiguration indicator set to ‘1’ to UE 108, then thesignaling of a set of TDD UL-DL configurations in step 204 is optional.In such case, the UE 108 assumes all the seven pre-defined TDD UL-DLconfigurations indicated in Table 2 are used for dynamicreconfiguration. In an embodiment of the present invention, the eNB 106signals the “TDD reconfiguration set bitmap” to the UE 108 eitherthrough cell-specific system information broadcast or throughUE-specific dedicated RRC signaling. Alternatively, when the dynamicreconfiguration is disabled and the eNB 106 signals the dynamicreconfiguration indicator set to ‘0’ to the UE 108, then the UE 108assumes that the dynamic reconfiguration is not enabled for the servingcell and starts using the TDD UL-DL configuration indicated in a SIB-1received from the eNB 106. In an embodiment of the present invention,the serving cell signals a dynamic reconfiguration indicator eitherthrough cell-specific system information broadcast or throughUE-specific dedicated RRC signaling.

The eNB 106 need not signal the dynamic reconfiguration indicator to theUE in step 202. Instead the eNB 106 may signal the “TDD reconfigurationset bitmap” indicating the set of TDD UL-DL configurations applicablefor dynamic reconfiguration in the serving cell. Accordingly, the UE 108understands that the dynamic reconfiguration is enabled for the servingcell. However, when the dynamic reconfiguration indicator is notsignaled and the TDD reconfiguration set bitmap signaled to the UEindicates single TDD UL-DL configuration, then the UE 108 assumes thatthe dynamic TDD configuration is not enabled for the serving cell. In anembodiment of the present invention, validity information associatedwith the “TDD reconfiguration set bitmap” indicating duration for whicha set of TDD UL-DL configurations is valid is also provided to the UE108 along with the “TDD reconfiguration set bitmap”.

In step 208, a TDD UL-DL configuration for a current radio frame isselected by the eNB 106 from the indicated set of TDD UL-DLconfigurations. In step 210, a new DCI format indicating the selectedTDD UL-DL configuration is transmitted through a physical layersignaling in a subframe (e.g., subframe #0 and/or subframe #5) of thecurrent radio frame. In an embodiment of the present invention, the newDCI format is 3 bit information addressing the seven pre-defined TDDUL-DL configurations indicated in Table 2. For example, if the new DCIformat indicates ‘011’, it implies the TDD UL-DL configuration 3 isapplicable for the current radio frame. The DCI format 111 is for futureuse if a new TDD configuration is defined apart from the sevenconfigurations indicated in Table 2. Alternatively, the new DCI formatindicates the TDD UL-DL configuration for subsequent radio frame(s).Accordingly, the UE 108 applies the TDD UL-DL configuration for thecurrent radio frame and optionally the subsequent radio frame(s) uponreceiving the DCI format. Steps 208 and 210 may or may not be repeatedfor every radio frame. In an embodiment of the present invention,validity information associated with the “new DCI format” indicatingduration for which the indicated TDD UL-DL configuration is valid isalso provided to the user equipment 108 along with the “new DCI format”.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts 300 illustrating a method of determininga TDD UL-DL configuration for a current radio frame upon waking up froma period of inactivity of a configured DRX cycle, according to anembodiment of the present invention. In step 302, a transition fromperiod of inactivity (also referred to as an off duration period) to aperiod of activity (also referred to as an on duration period) of theconfigured DRX cycle is detected. In step 304, a category of a subframelikely to be encountered upon waking up from the period of inactivity isdetermined based on a set of TDD UL-DL configurations used for dynamicreconfiguration indicated by the eNB 106. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, a category of subframes is determined by the UE 108by performing an intersection of DL subframes, special subframes, and ULsubframes across the set of TDD UL-DL configurations upon receiving the“TDD reconfiguration set bitmap” from the eNB 106. It is appreciatedthat the intersection operation is equivalent to a logical ANDoperation. For example, a subframe category is determined as a fixedsubframe if a subframe type (e.g., DL subframe, UL subframe, specialsubframe) after an intersection operation matches with the same subframetype across the set of TDD UL-DL configurations in the correspondingsubframe location.

On the other hand, a subframe category is determined as a flexiblesubframe if a subframe type (e.g., DL subframe, UL subframe, specialsubframe) does not match the same subframe type across the set of TDDUL-DL configurations in the corresponding subframe location. In thisembodiment of the present invention, a category of a subframe likely tobe encountered upon waking up from the period of inactivity isdetermined based on a subframe number in which the UE 108 woke up fromthe period of inactivity of the configured DRX cycle. For example, TDDUL-DL configurations 0, 1, 2 and 6 may .be selected for dynamicreconfiguration among TDD UL-DL configurations 0 to 7, as shown in Table3.

TABLE 3 TDD Reconfiguration Subframe number Configuration Set bitmap 0 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 D S U U U D S U U U 1 1 D S U U D D S U U D 2 1 D SU D D D S U D D 3 0 D S U U U D D D D D 4 0 D S U U D D D D D D 5 0 D SU D D D D D D D 6 1 D S U U U D S U U D Subframe Category FX FX FX FL FLFX FX FX FL FL Subframe Type D S U AM AM D S U AM AM PDCCH subframeaccording to P P P P intersection operation rule

The UE 108 determines a subframe category for each subframe location(subframes #0 to #9) across the TDD UL-DL configurations 0, 1, 2, and 6by performing an intersection operation for each subframe type (e.g., DLsubframe, UL subframe and special subframe) across the set of TDD UL-DLconfigurations 0, 1, 2, and 6 for corresponding subframe location. Forexample, the user equipment 108 performs an intersection of DL subframefor subframe #0 (SF#0) across the TDD UL-DL configurations 0, 1, 2, and6, and determines the subframe category associated with the (SF#0) as afixed subframe indicated as ‘FX’ in Table 3. Similarly, the UE 108performs intersection of each subframe type for (SF#3) across the TDDUL-DL configurations 0, 1, 2, and 6 and determines the subframe categoryassociated with the SF#3 as a flexible subframe indicated as ‘FL’ inTable 3. In this manner, the UE 108 can determine a subframe categoryfor each of subframes #0 to #9 of a radio frame. Accordingly, uponwaking up from the period of inactivity, the UE 108 can determine acategory of a subframe in a current radio frame that is likely to beencountered using a pre-determined category of subframes in the currentradio frame. For example, if the UE 108 wakes up at subframe #0 (SF#0)of a radio frame, the UE 108 determines that the subframe #0 (SF#0) is afixed subframe. Alternatively, if the UE 108 wakes up at subframe #3(SF#3) of the radio frame, the UE 108 determines that the subframe #3 isa flexible subframe. From the UE 108 perspective, when the UE 108 wakesfrom a period of inactivity of the configured DRX cycle and encounters aflexible subframe, then the encountered subframe is ambiguous to the UE108 (indicated as ‘AM’ in Table 3) because the TDD UL-DL configurationapplicable to the current radio frame is not known to the UE 108. Fromthe eNB 106 perspective, the flexible subframe means that the subframetype can be configured either as D or U. From the UE 108 perspective,the subframe type is not known to the UE 108 (i.e., ambiguous as whetherthe subframe type is downlink or uplink) when the UE wakes up from theperiod of inactivity of the configured DRX cycle and encounters aflexible subframe category.

In step 306, it is determined whether the subframe encountered uponwaking up from the inactive period is a fixed subframe. If it isdetermined that the subframe is the fixed subframe, it is determinedwhether the fixed subframe is a PDCCH subframe, in step 308. In anembodiment of the present invention, the fixed subframe is identified asa PDCCH subframe if the subframe type corresponding to the fixedsubframe is one of a downlink subframe or a special subframe indicatedas ‘P’ in Table 3. In step 310, PDCCH is monitored during the fixedsubframe, and step 320 is performed. Also, in step 310, counting of thefixed subframe towards at least one of the DRX timers (e.g., on durationtimer, DRX inactivity timer, and/or DRX retransmission timer) isperformed during the period of activity of the configured DRX cycle.

If, in step 306, it is determined that the subframe is a flexiblesubframe, it is determined whether PDCCH is to be monitored during theflexible subframe, in step 312. If it is determined that the PDCCH is tobe monitored during the flexible subframe, the PDCCH is monitored duringthe flexible subframe, in step 314. If it is determined that PDCCH isnot to be monitored during the flexible subframe, then step 316 isperformed. In step 316, it is determined whether a count of the flexiblesubframe towards the DRX timers is to be performed during a period ofactivity of the DRX cycle. If the count of the flexible subframe towardsthe DRX timers is to be performed, the count of flexible subframesencountered during the period of activity of the DRX cycle isincremented towards the respective DRX timers, in step 318. Otherwise,the process is routed to step 304 in which it is determined whethersubsequent subframe during the period of activity of the DRX cycle is afixed subframe or a flexible subframe.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the UE 108determines whether PDCCH is to be monitored on the flexible subframe andcount of the flexible subframe is to be performed based on a set ofrules. In an embodiment of the present invention, upon receiving a setof TDD UL-DL configurations from the eNB 106, a union of subframe typescorresponding to each subframe is performed across the set of TDD UL-DLconfigurations according to a union operation rule. It is appreciatedthat, the union operation is equivalent to a logical OR operation. Oneor more flexible subframes among the flexible subframes are identifiedas a PDCCH subframe if at least one subframe type in the correspondingsubframe location across the indicated set of TDD UL-DL configurationsis one of a downlink subframe or a special subframe as shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 TDD Reconfiguration Subframe number Configuration Set bitmap 0 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 D S U U U D S U U U 1 1 D S U U D D S U U D 2 1 D SU D D D S U D D 3 0 D S U U U D D D D D 4 0 D S U U D D D D D D 5 0 D SU D D D D D D D 6 1 D S U U U D S U U D Subframe Category FX FX FX FL FLFX FX FX FL FL Subframe Type D S U AM AM D S U AM AM PDCCH subframeaccording to P P P P P P P P union operation rule

In Table 4, subframe #3 (SF#3) is a flexible subframe, which canconsidered for PDCCH monitoring according to the union operation rule.SF#3 in the TDD UL-DL configuration 2 is ‘D’. Therefore, according to aunion operation rule, flexible subframe SF#3 can be considered as PDCCHsubframe as indicated as ‘P’ in Table 4. Similarly, subframes #4, #8,and #9 are flexible subframes and can be considered as PDCCH subframeaccording to the union operation rule.

During the activity period of the DRX cycle, it is determined whetherthe flexible subframe belongs to the one or more flexible subframes,which are identified as PDCCH subframes based on a subframe numberassociated with the flexible subframe. If one or more flexible subframesare considered as PDCCH subframe according to the union operation rule,then PDCCH is monitored during the flexible subframe. Also, the flexiblesubframe identified as PDCCH subframe is counted towards the respectiveDRX timers during the activity period of the DRX cycle.

In another embodiment of the present invention, PDCCH is not monitoredduring the flexible subframe as all the subframe types corresponding tothe flexible subframe across the set of TDD UL-DL configurations do notcontain DL subframe or special subframe. In Table 3, subframe #3 (SF#3)is a flexible subframe, which is not considered for PDCCH monitoringaccording to the intersection operation rule. However, the flexiblesubframe is counted during the period of activity of the configured DRXcycle according to the union operation rule.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, PDCCH is notmonitored during the flexible subframe and the flexible subframe is notcounted during the activity period of the DRX cycle.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a primary TDD UL-DLconfiguration from the indicated set of TDD UL-DL configurations isdetermined. Further, a subframe type of a primary TDD UL-DLconfiguration corresponding to the flexible subframe is used todetermine whether the flexible subframe can be considered a PDCCHsubframe. It is determined whether the subframe type corresponding tothe flexible subframe in the primary TDD UL-DL configuration is a DLsubframe or a special subframe. If the subframe type is downlinksubframe or a special subframe, then the corresponding flexible subframeis considered as PDCCH subframe. For example, if the flexible subframecorresponds to subframe #4 (SF#4) and subframe type corresponding to thesubframe #4 of the primary TDD UL-DL configuration is downlink subframeor special subframe, then the flexible subframe (SF#4) is identified asPDCCH subframe as shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 TDD Reconfiguration Subframe number Configuration Set bitmap 0 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 D S U U U D S U U U 1 1 D S U U D D S U U D 2 1 D SU D D D S U D D 3 0 D S U U U D D D D D 4 0 D S U U D D D D D D 5 0 D SU D D D D D D D 6 0 D S U U U D S U U D Subframe Category FX FX FX FL FLFX FX FX FL FL Subframe Type D S U AM AM D S U AM AM PDCCH subframeaccording to P P P P P P primary TDD configuration (i.e Configuration 1)

Following the primary TDD configuration rule, subframes #3 and #8 areflexible subframes but are not considered PDCCH subframes, while SF#4and SF#9 are considered as PDCCH subframes.

If the corresponding subframe type in the primary TDD configuration isDL subframe or special subframe, PDCCH is monitored during the flexiblesubframe according to following the primary TDD configuration rule.Further, the flexible subframe is counted towards the DRX timers duringthe activity period of the DRX cycle. This is applicable when one TDDUL-DL configuration in the set of TDD UL-DL configurations is signaledas a primary TDD UL-DL configuration via a SIB 1. For example, theprimary TDD UL-DL configuration is a TDD UL-DL configuration generallyused by legacy UE 108 s for HARQ timing and DRX operation. It can benoted that, depending on traffic conditions, the eNB 106 may changeprimary TDD UL-DL configuration and notify the change in the primary TDDUL-DL configuration to the user equipment 108 via a system informationchange notification procedure which has a minimum modification period of640 ms. For example, current primary TDD UL-DL configuration isconfiguration 1 when a set of TDD UL-DL configuration 0, 1 and 2 areused for dynamic reconfiguration as shown in Table 5. Suppose a TDDUL-DL configuration 2 is set as a primary TDD UL-DL configuration. Insuch case, the eNB 106 indicates the change in primary TDD UL-DLconfiguration from the TDD UL-DL configuration 1 to the TDD UL-DLconfiguration 2 as primary TDD UL-DL configuration via SIB-1.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a subframe type of theprimary TDD UL-DL configuration corresponding to the flexible subframeis used to determine whether the flexible subframe can be considered asPDCCH subframe. It is determined whether the subframe type correspondingto the flexible subframe in the primary TDD UL-DL configuration is a DLsubframe. If the subframe type is a downlink subframe, then thecorresponding flexible subframe is considered as PDCCH subframe andPDCCH is monitored during the flexible subframe. Further, thecorresponding flexible subframe is counted towards the DRX timers duringthe period of activity of the DRX cycle. This is applicable when one TDDUL-DL configuration in the set of TDD UL-DL configurations is signaledas a primary TDD UL-DL configuration via a SIB 1.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, information onPDCCH subframes are explicitly indicated to the UE 108 by the eNB 106via system information broadcast message or a dedicated signalingmessage. It is determined whether the flexible subframe is a PDCCHsubframe based on the PDCCH subframes indicated by the eNB 106. If theflexible frame is a PDCCH frame, PDCCH is monitored during the flexiblesubframe. Further, the flexible subframe is counted towards the DRXtimers during the activity period of the DRX cycle.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a PDCCH subframe ispre-configured in the UE 108 when the dynamic reconfiguration is enabledfor the serving cell. If the flexible frame corresponds to a PDCCHframe, PDCCH is monitored during the flexible subframe. Further, theflexible subframe is counted towards the DRX timers during the activityperiod of the DRX cycle.

Referring back to FIG. 3B, in step 320, it is determined whether a TDDUL-DL configuration applicable for a current radio frame is receivedduring monitoring of the PDCCH. For example, the UE 108, whilemonitoring PDCCH, may receive a signaling message indicating at leastone of TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for one or more radio frames,validity information associated with the TDD UL-DL configuration, and/ora System Frame Number (SFN) information. For example, the UE 108 mayreceive the TDD UL-DL configuration if the subframe is subframe #0 orsubframe #5 of the current radio frame. The TDD UL-DL configuration isselected from the indicated set of TDD UL-DL configurations and issignaled in the PDCCH subframe. The validity information indicates aduration for which the indicated TDD UL-DL configuration is valid. TheSFN information indicates an SFN at which the indicated TDD UL-DLconfiguration is to be applied. The signaling message is one of a newDCI format message, a TDD Configuration MAC CE message, and an RRCmessage. It can be noted that, step 320 is performed when the PDCCH ismonitored irrespective of whether the count of the PDCCH subframe isperformed.

If the TDD UL-DL configuration is received, the TDD UL-DL configurationis applied during remaining subframes of the current radio frame thatare likely to be encountered during the period of activity of the DRXcycle, in step 322. If the TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for thecurrent radio frame is not received, the process is routed to step 304.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of monitoring PDCCH andcounting DRX timers, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Consider that the eNB 106 has configured TDD UL-DLconfigurations 0, 1 and 2 for dynamic reconfiguration from the TDD UL-DLconfigurations 0-6 for the serving cell. Also, consider that the UE 108has received a dynamic reconfiguration indicator indicating that dynamicTDD UL-DL configuration is enabled for the serving cell and hasindicated applicability of the TDD UL-DL configurations 0, 1, and 2 in aTDD reconfiguration set bitmap.

Upon receiving the TDD UL-DL configurations 0, 1, and 2, the UE 108determines a category of subframes by performing an intersectionoperation on DL subframes, special subframes, and UL subframes acrossthe set of TDD UL-DL configurations 0, 1 and 2. Also, the UE 108identifies PDCCH frames across the set of TDD UL-DL configurations 0, 1and 2 by performing union operation on DL subframe and special subframeacross the set of TDD UL-DL configurations.

TDD UL-DL configurations 2, 0, and 1 are configured for radio frames #1,#2 and #3 respectively, as depicted in a schematic representation 400 ofFIG. 4. For purpose of illustration, consider that DRX start offset isequal to 3 ms, ON duration timer is equal to 4 ms, and DRX cycle is of10 ms length, and DRX inactivity timer is equal to 0 ms.

According to the configured DRX cycle, the UE 108 wakes up from theperiod of inactivity in the subframe #3 of the radio frame #2 and entersperiod of inactivity at the end of subframe #6 on expiry of the onduration timer. The UE 108 is not aware of the TDD UL-DL configurationapplicable for the radio frame #2 when it wakes up in SF#3 of radioframe #2. From the UE 108 perspective, SF#3 is an ambiguous subframe asthe user equipment 108 determines that the subframe #3 is a flexibleframe according to the intersection operation. Further, the UE 108determines that the subframe #3 corresponds to one of the identifiedPDCCH subframes according to the rule governed by union operation foridentifying PDCCH subframe as shown in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 TDD Reconfiguration Subframe number Configuration Set bitmap 0 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 D S U U U D S U U U 1 1 D S U U D D S U U D 2 1 D SU D D D S U D D 3 0 D S U U U D D D D D 4 0 D S U U D D D D D D 5 0 D SU D D D D D D D 6 0 D S U U U D S U U D Subframe Category FX FX FX FL FLFX FX FX FL FL Subframe Type D S U AM AM D S U AM AM PDCCH subframeaccording to P P P P P P P P union operation rule

Accordingly, the UE 108 monitors PDCCH during the subframe #3 and countsthe flexible subframe towards the on duration timer. Consider that,during PDCCH monitoring, the UE 108 does not receive a TDD UL-DLconfiguration applicable for the radio frame #2. Further, the UE 108determines a category of the subframe #4. The UE 108 determines that thesubframe #4 is also a flexible subframe and monitors PDCCH during thesubframe #4 and counts the flexible subframe towards on duration timeraccording to the union operation rule. However, the UE 108 does notreceive TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #2 inSF#4 since from the eNB perspective SF#4 is an uplink subframe. Sincethe UE 108 has not received a TDD UL-DL configuration in the subframe #3and subframe #4, the UE 108 further determines the category of subframe#5 as a fixed subframe. As subframe type associated with the subframe #5is a downlink subframe, the UE 108 monitors PDCCH during the subframe#5. During the PDCCH monitoring, the UE 108 receives a new DCI formatthat signals TDD UL-DL configuration for the radio frame #2, or a DLassignment message on PDSCH and/or a TDD Configuration MAC CE indicatingTDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #2. The UE 108applies the TDD UL-DL configuration (i.e., the configuration 0) receivedin the subframe #5. Furthermore, the UE 108 monitors PDCCH and countsDRX timers based on the applied TDD UL-DL configuration for theremaining activity period of the DRX cycle. Since the DRX inactivitytimer is equal to 0 ms, the ON duration timer expires after subframe #6and the UE 108 enters a period of inactivity after the subframe #6. Ifthe UE 108 has received a DL assignment message in the subframe #5 orsubframe #6 of the radio frame #2, the UE 108 performs HARQ ACK/NACKaccording to a timing for the TDD UL-DL configuration 0. In this manner,the UE 108 determines TDD UL-DL configuration applicable during theradio frame #2.

The above process is repeated when the UE 108 wakes up from a period ofinactivity of the DRX cycle a next time. For example, the UE 108 wakesup in the subframe #3 of the radio frame #3, which is a flexiblesubframe, as shown in Table 6. The UE 108 monitors the PDCCH during thesubframe #3, according to a union operation rule, but does not receive aTDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #3. Then, the UE108 increments the on duration timer and proceeds with the subframe #4and determines that the subframe #4 is a flexible subframe. Further, theUE 108 determines that the subframe #4 is a PDCCH subframe based on theunion operation performed on the set of TDD UL-DL configuration 0, 1 and2. Accordingly, the UE 108 monitors the PDCCH during the subframe #4 andcounts the DRX timer. Consider that the UE 108 receives a new DCI formator a DL assignment message on PDSCH along with TDD Configuration MAC CEcontaining TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #3 oronly the TDD Configuration MAC CE containing TDD UL-DL configuration.Based on the TDD UL-DL configuration received from the eNB 106, the UE108 monitors PDCCH during the remaining period of activity of theconfigured DRX cycle.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of monitoring PDCCH andcounting DRX timers, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention. According to a schematic representation illustrated in FIG.5, the UE 108 does not monitor PDCCH when a flexible frame isencountered according to the rule governed by an intersection operationfor identifying a PDCCH subframe, as shown in Table 7, but counts theflexible subframe towards the on duration timer during the period ofactivity of the DRX cycle.

According to the configured DRX cycle, the UE 108 wakes up from theperiod of inactivity in the subframe #3 of the radio frame #2 and entersa period of inactivity at the end of subframe #6, as the on durationtimer is 4 ms and inactivity timer is 0 ms. Since the UE 108 is notaware of the TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #2,the UE 108 may not know which subframes are to be monitored duringperiod of activity.

Upon waking up from the period of inactivity, the UE 108 determines thatthe subframe #3 is a flexible frame. Further, the UE 108 determines thatthe subframe #3 does not correspond to one of the identified PDCCHsubframes, according to the intersection operation. Accordingly, the UE108 does not monitor PDCCH during the subframe #3. However, the UE 108determines that the flexible subframe needs to be counted towards the onduration timer during the period of activity. Hence, the UE 108 countsthe flexible subframe towards the period of activity as shown in FIG. 5,and the UE 108 moves to subframe #4 (SF#4) and determines that subframe#4 (SF#4) is also a flexible subframe. The user equipment 108 does notmonitor the PDCCH in the SF#4 according to the intersection operationrule. However, the UE 108 counts the flexible frame towards the onduration timer during the period of activity of the DRX cycle.

Since the UE 108 has not monitored PDCCH in the subframe #3 and subframe#4, there is no possibility of knowing the TDD UL-DL configurationapplicable for the radio frame #2. Therefore, the UE 108 determines asubframe category for the subframe #5. The UE 108 determines that thesubframe #5 is a fixed subframe. Also, the UE 108 determines that PDCCHis to be monitored according to the intersection operation rule as thefixed subframe #5 is a PDCCH subframe. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, the UE 108 refers to Table 7 below to determine whether PDCCHis to be monitored during the fixed subframe #5. Accordingly, the UE 108monitors the PDCCH during the fixed subframe #5 while the on durationtimer is incremented.

TABLE 7 TDD Reconfiguration Subframe number Configuration Set bitmap 0 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 D S U U U D S U U U 1 1 D S U U D D S U U D 2 1 D SU D D D S U D D 3 0 D S U U U D D D D D 4 0 D S U U D D D D D D 5 0 D SU D D D D D D D 6 0 D S U U U D S U U D Subframe Category FX FX FX FL FLFX FX FX FL FL Subframe Type D S U AM AM D S U AM AM PDCCH subframeaccording P P P P to intersection operation rule

During PDCCH monitoring, the UE 108 receives a new DCI format thatsignals TDD UL-DL configuration for the radio frame #2, or a DLassignment message on PDSCH and/or a TDD Configuration MAC CE messageindicating TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #2.The UE 108 applies the TDD UL-DL configuration (i.e., the configuration0) received in the subframe #5. Furthermore, the user equipment 108monitors PDCCH and performs counting of DRX timers based on the appliedTDD UL-DL configuration for the remaining activity period of the DRXcycle. Since the DRX activity timer is equal to 0 ms, the ON durationtimer expires after subframe #6 and the UE 108 enters a period ofinactivity after the subframe #6. If the UE 108 has received a DLassignment message in the subframe #5 or subframe #6 of the radio frame#2, the UE 108 performs HARQ ACK/NACK according to timing for the TDDUL-DL configuration 0. In this manner, the UE 108 determines TDD UL-DLconfiguration applicable during the radio frame #2.

The above process is repeated when the UE 108 wakes up from a period ofinactivity of the DRX cycle a next time. For example, the UE 108 wakesup in the subframe #3 (SF#3) of the radio frame #3, which is anambiguous type subframe and determines the category of subframe#3 as aflexible subframe. According to the intersection operation rule toidentify PDCCH subframe, the UE 108 does not monitor the PDCCH duringthe subframe #3 and the subframe #4 as the subframe #3 and subframe #4are not identified as PDCCH subframe but counts the subframe #3 andsubframe #4 towards the on duration timer of the configured DRX cycle.The UE 108 monitors PDCCH during the subframe #5 and subframe #6,according to the intersection operation, as the subframe #5 and thesubframe #6 are fixed subframes of DL and special type, respectively, asshown in FIG. 5. Consider that the UE 108 receives a new DCI format orDL assignment message on PDSCH along with TDD Configuration MAC CEcontaining TDD UL-DL configuration (e.g., configuration 1) applicablefor the radio frame #3 or just the TDD Configuration MAC CE messagecontaining TDD UL-DL configuration. Based on the TDD UL-DL configuration1, the UE 108 monitors PDCCH during the remaining period of activity andperforms counting of DRX timers accordingly.

FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 illustrating extending an on duration timer of aDRX cycle to determine TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for a currentradio frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Consider that, for dynamic reconfiguration, TDD UL-DL configurations 2,0, and 1 are configured for radio frames 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Forthe purpose of illustration, consider that a DRX start offset is equalto 3 ms, an ON duration timer is equal to 2 ms, a DRX cycle is 10 ms inlength, and a DRX inactivity timer is equal to 0 ms.

According to the configured DRX cycle, the UE 108 wakes up from a periodof inactivity in subframe #3 of a radio frame #2. Also, the UE 108 isnot aware of a TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame#2. It can be seen from a schematic representation in FIG. 6 thatsubframe #3 and subframe #4 are coinciding with period of activity ofthe DRX cycle, and the on duration timer expires at the end of SF#4.Further, the UE 108 determines that the subframe #3 and subframe #4 areflexible subframes. The UE 108 monitors PDCCH during the subframe #3 andthe subframe #4 and counts the flexible subframes towards the onduration timer during the period of activity. Consider that the UE 108has not received TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame#2 in the subframe #3 and the subframe #4.

As the on duration timer expires at the end of subframe #4 and the UE108 did not receive a new DCI format or DL assignment message during thesubframe #3 and the subframe#4 of the radio frame #2, the UE 108 extendsthe on duration timer for a duration of 1 ms as the subframe #5 is afixed subframe. In an embodiment of the present invention, the eNB 106signals a new DCI format indicating a TDD UL-DL configuration applicablefor a radio frame in a first half (e.g., subframe #0) and second half(subframe #5) of the radio frame. Thus, the UE 108 extends the onduration timer by 1 ms as the UE 108 expects a new DCI format indicatinga TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #2 in thesubframe #5. Accordingly, the UE 108 monitors PDCCH during the subframe#5 and receives a new DCI format or a DL assignment message along with aTDD Configuration MAC CE indicating TDD UL-DL configuration applicablefor the radio frame #2. A TDD Configuration MAC CE used for indicatingTDD UL-DL configuration is shown in FIGS. 8A-8E. It can be noted that,the eNB 106 signals a TDD Configuration MAC CE indicating a TDD UL-DLconfiguration on a PDSCH of a DL subframe where the UE 108 is expectedto wake up from a period of inactivity or ON duration timer is running.It can be noted that, the TDD Configuration MAC CE received on the PDSCHis addressed by PDCCH using C-RNTI.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation 700 illustrating extending the onduration timer of a DRX cycle to determine TDD UL-DL configurationapplicable for a next radio frame. Consider that, for dynamicreconfiguration, TDD UL-DL configurations 2, 0, and 1 are configured forradio frames 1, 2 and 3, respectively. For the purpose of illustration,consider that a DRX start offset is equal to 8 ms, an ON duration timeris equal to 2 ms, a DRX cycle is 10 ms in length, and a DRX inactivitytimer is equal to 0 ms.

Suppose the UE 108 wakes up from a period of inactivity in subframe #8of a radio frame #2. Also, the UE 108 is not aware of a TDD UL-DLconfiguration applicable for the radio frame #2. It can be seen fromFIG. 7 that subframe #8 and subframe #9 are coinciding with period ofactivity of the DRX cycle and the on duration timer expires at the endof SF#9. Further, the UE 108 determines that the subframe #8 andsubframe #9 are flexible subframes. The UE 108 monitors PDCCH during thesubframe #8 and the subframe #9 and counts the flexible subframestowards the on duration timer during the period of activity. Considerthat the UE 108 has not received TDD UL-DL configuration applicable forthe radio frame #2 in the subframe #8 and the subframe #9.

As the on duration timer expires at the end of subframe #9 and the UE108 did not receive a new DCI format or DL assignment message during thesubframe #8 and the subframe#9 of the radio frame #2, the UE 108 extendsthe on duration timer for 1 ms duration as subframe #0 of a radio frame#3 is a fixed subframe. Since the eNB 106 signals a new DCI formatindicating a TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for a radio frame in afirst half (e.g., subframe #0) and second half (subframe #5) of theradio frame, the UE 108 extends the on duration timer by 1 ms, as the UE108 expects a new DCI format indicating a TDD UL-DL configurationapplicable for the radio frame #3 in the subframe #0. Accordingly, theUE 108 monitors PDCCH during the subframe #0 and receives a new DCIformat or DL assignment message along with a TDD Configuration MAC CEindicating TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for the radio frame #3.

FIGS. 8A-8E are diagrams illustrating TDD Configuration MAC CE formatscarrying TDD UL-DL configuration applicable for a current radio frameand/or subsequent radio frame, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The eNB 106 communicates a TDD UL-DL configuration applicablefor a radio frame in a TDD Configuration MAC CE depicted in FIGS. 8A-8Einstead of a new DCI format when a medium to slow reconfiguration inorder of few hundreds of milliseconds is desired.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating various fields of a TDD ConfigurationMAC CE 800, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.8A, the TDD Configuration MAC CE 800 includes reserved fields 802A-802C,a TDD configuration field 804, and a validity timer 806. The TDDconfiguration field 804 indicates a TDD UL-DL configuration applicablefor a current radio frame. For example, the TDD configuration field 804indicates which TDD UL-DL configuration out of the indicated set of TDDUL-DL configuration is configured for the current radio frame. Forexample, if the TDD UL-DL configuration 0 is configured for the currentradio frame, the TDD configuration field 804 indicates ‘000’. Thevalidity timer field 806 indicates a time period for which the TDD UL-DLconfiguration indicated by field 804 is applicable for one or more radioframes. For example, the validity timer value may be equal to 320 ms,640 ms, 1280 ms, and 2560 ms.

Referring to FIG. 8B, a TDD Configuration MAC CE 810 includes reservedfields 812A-812B, and TDD configuration fields 814A-814B. The TDDconfiguration field 814A indicates a TDD UL-DL configuration applicablefor a current radio frame. The TDD configuration field 814B indicates aTDD UL-DL configuration application for a subsequent radio frame(s).

Referring to FIG. 8C, a TDD Configuration MAC CE 820 is similar to theTDD Configuration MAC CE 800 of FIG. 8A, except the TDD ConfigurationMAC CE 820 includes an additional SFN field 822 of 2 bits. The SFN field822 indicates an absolute SFN start value for when the UE 108 hasapplied a TDD UL-DL configuration indicated in the TDD configurationfield 804. For example, the 2 bit SFN start value may be {SFN0, SFN256,SFN 512, SFN768}.

Referring to FIG. 8D, a TDD Configuration MAC CE 830 is similar to theTDD Configuration MAC CE 820 of FIG. 8C, except the TDD ConfigurationMAC CE 830 includes an SFN field 822 of 3 bits. For example, the 3 bitSFN start value may be {SFN0, SFN128, SFN256, SFN384, SFN512, SFN640,SFN768, SFN896}.

Referring to FIG. 8D, a TDD Configuration MAC CE 840 is similar to theTDD Configuration MAC CE 820 of FIG. 8C, except the TDD ConfigurationMAC CE 840 includes an SFN field 822 of 10 bits. The values for thevalidity timer and the SFN are provided as examples and not the limitingcase.

In additional embodiments of the present invention, the UE 108 mayperform Radio Resource Management (RRM)/Radio Link Monitoring(RLM)/Channel State Information (CSI) measurements during fixedsubframe(s) of downlink or special type for maintaining accuracy ofmeasurements.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a UE, according to an embodimentof the present invention. In FIG. 9, the UE 108A includes a processor902, a memory 904, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 906, a transceiver 908, abus 910, a display 912, an input device 914, and a cursor control 916.

The processor 902, as used herein, refers to any type of computationalcircuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, areduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very longinstruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instructioncomputing microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signalprocessor, or any other type of processing circuit. The processor 902may also include embedded controllers, such as generic or programmablelogic devices or arrays, application specific integrated circuits,single-chip computers, smart cards, and the like.

The memory 904 and the ROM 906 may be a volatile memory and anon-volatile memory. The memory 904 includes executable instructions918, which when executed by the processor 902, causes the processor 902to perform method steps, according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention, as described in FIGS. 3 to 7. A variety ofcomputer-readable storage media may be stored in and accessed from thememory elements. Memory elements may include any suitable memorydevice(s) for storing data and machine-readable instructions, such asread only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read onlymemory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive,removable media drive for handling compact disks, digital video disks,diskettes, magnetic tape cartridges, memory cards, and the like.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in conjunctionwith modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, andapplication programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract datatypes or low-level hardware contexts. The executable instructions 918may be stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media and may beexecutable by the processor 902. For example, a computer program mayinclude the executable instructions 918, that when executed by theprocessor 902, cause the processor 902 to perform method steps accordingto the described embodiments of the present invention. In an embodimentof the present invention, the computer program may be included on aCompact Disc-ROM (CD-ROM) and loaded from the CD-ROM to a hard drive inthe non-volatile memory.

The bus 910 acts as interconnect between various components of the userequipment 108. The components, such as the transceiver 908, the display912, the input device 914, and the cursor control 916, are well known tothe person skilled in the art.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for monitoring a physical downlinkcontrol channel (PDCCH) by a user equipment (UE) in a wirelesscommunication system, the method comprising: receiving, by the UE, asystem information block (SIB) from a network; identifying, by the UE,at least one downlink (DL) period based on a first time division duplex(TDD) uplink (UL)/DL configuration included in the SIB; monitoring, bythe UE, the PDCCH during the at least one DL period using adiscontinuous reception (DRX) operation; and obtaining, by the UE,information about at least one second TDD UL/DL configuration for one ormore time intervals from the monitored PDCCH, wherein the monitoring ofthe PDCCH comprises monitoring the PDCCH in an active time of a DRXcycle, and wherein the active time includes a time when the UE performscontinuous reception.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the active timeis repeated periodically.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:applying, by the UE, the at least one second TDD UL/DL configuration tothe one or more time intervals in response to obtaining the second TDDUL/DL configuration.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:performing one of radio resource management (RRM) measurements and radiolink monitoring (RLM) measurements during the active time of the DRXcycle.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the PDCCH is monitored based onan identifier of the UE.
 6. A method for transmitting information ofmonitoring a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) by a networkdevice in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:transmitting, by the network device, to a user equipment (UE), a systeminformation block (SIB) including a first time division duplex (TDD)uplink (UL)/downlink (DL) configuration; and transmitting, by thenetwork device, to the UE, information about a second TDD UL/DLconfiguration for one or more time intervals through the PDCCH during atleast one DL period indicated by the first TDD UL/DL configuration,wherein the at least one DL period is included in an active time of adiscontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, and wherein the active timeincludes a time when the UE performs continuous reception.
 7. The methodof claim 6, wherein the active time is repeated periodically.
 8. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the at least one second TDD UL/DLconfiguration is applied to the one or more time intervals based on theinformation.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein one of radio resourcemanagement (RRM) measurements and radio link monitoring (RLM)measurements is performed by the UE during the active time of the DRXcycle.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the PDCCH is monitored basedon an identifier of the UE.
 11. A user equipment (UE) in a wirelesscommunication system, the UE comprising: a transceiver configured toreceive a system information block (SIB) from a network; and at leastone processor configured to: identify at least one downlink (DL)transmission period based on a first time division duplex (TDD) uplink(UL)/DL configuration included in the SIB; control the transceiver tomonitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during the at leastone DL period using a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation; andobtain information about at least one second TDD UL/DL configuration forone or more time intervals from the monitored PDCCH, wherein the activetime includes a time when the UE performs continuous reception.
 12. TheUE of claim 11, wherein the active time is repeated periodically. 13.The UE of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: apply the at least one second TDD UL/DL configuration tothe one or more time interval in response to obtaining the second TDDUL/DL configuration.
 14. The UE of claim 11, wherein the at least oneprocessor is further configured to: perform one of radio resourcemanagement (RRM) measurements and radio link monitoring (RLM)measurements during the active time of the DRX cycle.
 15. The UE ofclaim 11, wherein the PDCCH is monitored based on an identifier of theUE.
 16. A network device in a wireless communication system, the networkdevice comprising: a transceiver; and at least one processor configuredto control the transceiver to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE), asystem information block (SIB) including a first time division duplex(TDD) uplink (UL)/downlink (DL) configuration; and transmit, to the UE,information about a second TDD UL/DL configuration for one or more timeintervals through a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during atleast one DL period indicated by the first TDD UL/DL configuration,wherein the at least one DL period is included in an active time of adiscontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, and wherein the active timeincludes a time when the UE performs continuous reception.
 17. Thenetwork device of claim 16, wherein the active time is repeatedperiodically.
 18. The network device of claim 16, wherein the at leastone second TDD UL/DL configuration is applied to the one or more timeintervals based on the information.
 19. The network device of claim 16,wherein one of radio resource management (RRM) measurements and radiolink monitoring (RLM) measurements is performed by the UE during theactive time of the DRX cycle.
 20. The network device of claim 16,wherein the PDCCH is monitored based on an identifier of the UE.